Wet carpet 94 Q

[daegrigg]

The carpet in the driver's footwell is consistently wet - not soaking wet but wet nonetheless. The floor pan is in tact with no rust and I do not detect any leaks from rain or car washing. I am wondering if the drain from the A/C unit could be somehow leaking inside the car. The wet is not antifreeze and does not have any strong odor.

Anyone know where the condensation from the A/C is suppose to exit the car or any other ideas?

Thanks

Don

[maxnix]

I think you are onto something. The drain ends just in front of the passenger footwell.

Do a search for "Darlington" and I think you will get a few pictures of what teh access to the evaporator box looks like.

[Q451990]

I would expect it to be wet on the passenger side if the A/C evaporator drain was plugged.

Maybe a sunroof tube that's disconnected or plugged in the a-pilar?

Heath

[maxnix]

Yeah, you are correct. Driver's footwell. Sunroof drains first, then firewall grommets.

[elwesso]

Yeah its gotta be the sunroof drain I think, unless the windshield is leaking.

[daegrigg]

Thanks for the suggestions - I am still troubleshooting this one.

I think it is the A/C discharge because I don't see any drainage below the car after running in place for 10-15 minutes. No apparent change when it rains or I wash the car.

Before I start tearing out panels and carpet, are you guys certain that the drain is on the passenger side of the tunnelb for the Q? Remember only my driver footwell is getting wet.

I pulled a trim panel that cover's the heating vent by the drivers knee - I did see a hose that looks like it might be the one but it is on the drivers side and I can't see where it ends up.

Also, if the sunroof train is clogged, where would be leaking into the floor area?

Driving me crazy this one.

Thanks,

Don

[elwesso]

you wont see much water in the winter, especially out in MD.....

That hose your referring to is for the temp sensor..... basically what it does is bring air in through the vent so that it is getting a constant reading..

the AC drain is DEFINITELY on the pass side. If you look just above the exhaust, you can see a L shaped tube pointing down..... Its hard to spot unless you know what your looking for..

To clean the sunroof drains, ive found this is the best way: Get a flexible straw, open the sunroof, and youll see the drains on both corners... Stick the straw in the hole and blow on it..... This will move the crap out... Now douche the drains with water..... And be sure that the water comes out just rearward of the respective side tire..... its like just foreward of the door, the drain actually comes out from behind the quarter panel...

[PopPop]

Sounds like a heater core to me! The heater core is in that area and when the heater core goes bad it almost always leaks in the floor board of the car.

[elwesso]

ive never heard of a heater core going on a Q... however if it smells like AF then i suppose thats the problem for sure!

[PopPop]

Heater core will go bad especially if your coolant system is neglected! In MD now it's around mid thirty's and I have my heater on constantly in my Q. Heater core will deteriorate and start leaking in any vehicle even a Q.

[maxnix]

But Wes is correct, coolant will smell quite different than condensation.

[PopPop]

Yes it will have a strong odor but old anti-freeze doesn't always smell like fresh AF. A/C evaporator drain is located on passenger side compartment. Heater core runs center dash area so could drain left or right side floor board.

[PopPop]

I forgot to add this but, if its water and not anti-freeze definitely check your A/C Evaporator drain tube. Some times they will work themselves loose at the joint. The drain also is used when defroster is in use but, this drain becomes clogged and needs to be cleared. DO NOT start disassembling dash. Take compressed air and blow threw drain vent located in engine compartment rate below A/C compressor lines coming out of fire wall. The tube comes out and points down to ground. Try this to see if your water problem is resolved before dismantling dash.

[daegrigg]

The heater core is a new candidate. I thought about that as a source but the liquid does not smell (to my nose) and feels like just water - no oily or viscous feel.

I checked the coolant reservoir and that was at about minimum AND with the radio off, I heard gurgling from the heater core indicating at least some air in the system. Car absolutely not not overheat and the gauge never has gone beyond half way but seems to take a little longer to produce cabin heat at start up than it should.

QUESTION: If it is the core what are thoughts about trying a temporary fix like radiator stop leak or such? I do not relish trying to change the core in the middle of winter.

[Q45tech]

You use a pressure tester to check integrity of cooling system, you are a long way from completing diagnosis!Taste the liquid, ethylene gylcol toxicity is: 1 ml/kg [2 cc of liquid per 2.2 lbs] of body weight half a spoonful won't cause any problems.Antifreeze contains Fluorescein if you have a black light.

[daegrigg]

Hey PopPop,

Thanks, just the detailed info I need to check this out. Noticed you are in Waldorf (I am in Bethesda). Do you do housecalls! Seriously, thanks and I will post the outcome.

Don